Since its founding, Salem has attracting people from all over the world. Many arrive to visit and decide to make Salem their home. Although it's widely known as the location of the 1692 witchcraft trials made famous in The Crucible, Salem has a colorful and fascinating maritime history that spans four centuries. It was one of early America's most important seaports where Congress designated its first ever National Historic Site.

The city, itself, began in 1626 at the opening of the Naumkeag River at an ancient Native village and trading community. The area went by the name Naumkeag until changing the name to Salem, a synonym for Jerusalem and a cousin to the word "shalom" in Hebrew which means "peace". The reference was aimed to designate the intended head of government in Massachusetts in keeping with the state's intention to be a Puritan New Israel of the New World. The city was incorporated in 1629 by Roger Conant who led a group of fishermen from Cape Ann.

The city originally included most of the North Shore area including the the Marblehead area. Many of those accused in Salem's witch trials resided in the adjacent Salem Village, currently called Danvers. Beverly, Topsfield, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Wenham, Middleton and Peabody were considered part of Salem Village. As a result of the trials, the populations in these areas fell into a temporary vacuum. Trucks and buses now travel along roadways once used to commute by horse, carriage or foot into what is still the center of town.

A famous historical incident celebrated in the city was the raising of the drawbridge on the 26th of February in 1775. It prevented Britain's Colonel Alexander Leslie and 300 troops who were trying to pillage for ammunition, money, for jewelry and supplies. It led to prominent residents and those with ties to the city such as Francis Cabot, William Pickman and Thomas Barnard publishing a manifesto professing dedication to the Colonial movement.

During America's Revolution, Salem was the center of profiteering. By the late 18th century, Salem had become the sixth largest city in America and a world renowned seaport and a major player in trade with China. Housewares were imported from Great Britain and the wood to make the houses for them was imported from Ontario. Franchises of known brands and business began to appear. Imports and exports of Codfish, sugar, molasses and tea increasingly flowed from the city to and from Asia, the West Indies and Europe.

The city's prosperity spurred a wealth of world class architecture, including many Federal style estate designed by Samuel McTntire, considered America's first architect. In Canada, borders were being drawn and North America was beginning to take shape and come of age. Influences of Salem's culture maturing and developing from outside influences, such as its trade with Old China and Great Britain, is evident throughout the architecture and artwork in the city.

When the city was incorporated a range of its local businesses began to expand and flourish. Shops were soon offering everything fine linens to precious metal funds. An amusement park was opened in 1858 in Salem Willows.

As the twentieth century approached, the city transitioned from a shipping center into a manufacturing one. Shipping became eclipsed by ports in Boston and New York City. Salem quickly became known as a major manufacturing hub in America.